Is this normal?

[Rookie]

In two wheel drive the wheels spin, 3 or 4 wheel drive not so much. I am thinking more traction than power.

The machine is stock, 147 miles on it. The tires are stock.

I am at 4800 feet in Colorado, does this have anything to do with it? Air is a bit thin up here.

YouTube - SUNP0025.AVI

YouTube - SUNP0025.AVI

[Cenflrider]

Stock machine w/ a few accessories added, currently has slightly >100 hours. Location is outside of Orlando, Florida @ no more than 60 feet above sea level.
Tried to duplicate same procedure, results attached in video.





Just my on the subject

[sc_emt05]

I have the same problem. I did find that there was on oil leak someplace in the transmission. Honda had taken it apart and couldn't find anything wrong, but then they put it back together, it did work better and my pressure check out ok. Check your oil pressure at the valve body. There are 4 external connections where it can be check without tearing anything apart. The pressure should be around 60psi at idle and a min. of 115psi above idle. I was told by Honda that is is normal for it to run over 200psi.

However even after a year of trying to get myself stuck. It is still lacking in power, but I think that its is 1 of 2 reasons. Either Honda is scared of a lawsuite and they designed it with a lower power, or it was just bad engineering. I needs either a low range, or more lower gear. I have trusted honda and they have proven there engineering skills, so I think they are scared because of the Lawsuites with the Rino's

I got a flat a couple of weeks ago and had to drive it out, ruined my wheel and tire. I just bough new ITP SS212 Black and Big Horn tires. Heres hoping I have enough power to turn them.

Honda, If you are reading this, quite being such a sissy and build something that will compete with a RZR S. However, please stick to your guns and stay away from those belts. I hate having to sit on the side of the trail waiting for my buddies to change there every time we go out. The good old 5 speed tranny and clutch that Honda is famous for, that has proven itself over the years, would be nice and fun to drive.

[Cenflrider]

sc emt05,
The first video in this thread posted by Rookie, I believe the intent was to determine if what he was experiencing was/is normal. He is also dealing with altitude so he was trying to see if his location was adding to his condition.
The second video was posted by me; I was attempting to show the same test and my findings. While BR may not be the fastest in the bunch, in my experience I’ve never experienced a lack of power to the point I would feel concerned or think there was a problem. I also understand BR will never be a RZR S, I don’t believe that was Honda’s goal. I think BR is the Foreman 500 of the SXS offerings, a reliable work horse that is willing to play on the weekends.
You do however mention a transmission leak and the fact that your servicing Honda dealer was unable to find a problem. The leak you mention, is it external or internal? I’m assuming internal since you follow up with pressure check specs. Should you still have an external leak try a product like this, http://www.tdsleakseal.com/oil-leak-detection-products.htm to assist in leak locating, kind of messy but it works great.
In your posting you write “However even after a year of trying to get myself stuck. It is still lacking in power, but I think that its is 1 of 2 reasons. Either Honda is scared of a lawsuite and they designed it with a lower power, or it was just bad engineering. I needs either a low range, or more lower gear. I have trusted honda and they have proven there engineering skills, so I think they are scared because of the Lawsuites with the Rino's” In my opinion, we have know one to blame but ourselves in this “it’s not my fault society”.
What size tires did you buy? Please post some pictures so we can all see!

[sc_emt05]

The "not my fault society" I believe is 100% true. And yes the Big Red is the work horse and I love it for that. I won't trade mine in for anything either. I will buy a second one for playing, I just hope I get to buy a Honda and not have to deal with belts.

I too am at higher altitude and I feel it lacks power. I haven't rode any lower then 5000ft and usually I'm around 6000-9000 ft. I run out of torque to turn the tires long before I slip and loose traction. Unloaded with one rider it is ok, However 2 guys, hunting gear and an Elk is a different story. And believe that is also within the capacity Honda says it will haul. The Elk was only around 500lbs gutted. It really sucks when a RZR S has to help pull me up a hill that I know a Honda 300 will climb in the same situation. Trust me I have done it. (2 guys, hunting gear and an elk on the back rack of a 1996 Honda 300).

Anyway, The tires and wheels are on order and I will get pictures as soon as I get them on. I have added a bunch of custom accessories too.

[locash]

I was just in the mountains of Silverton, Colorado with my big red and 26x10 tires, and at that elevation (9000 to 11000 ft), the big red had problems climbing the trails, and the problem was much worse in 4wd, so I left it in 2wd.. Next time I go, I am bringing a set of 23" tires to help the lack of a low range transfer case.. I am also putting my big red on my chassis dyno to see if I can squeeze some more power out of it, because it was just rediculously slow up there..

[Cenflrider]

Wow, so I can only assume that the fuel injection is the root cause of the concern. Both the trans and engine report to the control unit. Has anyone considered putting in a modified aftermarket control unit to see if this resolves or improves the condition?

[sc_emt05]

Do we know who makes an aftermarket control unit? I have been searching since I got my Big Red for one compatible and can't find anything. I have found a place in Montana that will make a custom chip for me. I'm just waiting to hear back from them now.

[Cenflrider]

sc_emt05,
Check out xtremerancher02 thread about this.

http://www.bigredforums.com/forums/honda-big-red-performance-modifications/72697-got-my-pc3-installed.html